My dad was diagnosed over a year ago with NSCLC (squamous cell) and is Stage IV. He has recently been having a reaction to CT scan where he turns red and blotchy. Kind of got a run-a-round with radiologist and just wondered if anyone had expereinced similar reactions. He is currently on his second month of Iressa with major skin irritations. Will get results soon.
Thanks
K

Anyone, no matter their disease or diagnosis, can have an allergic reaction to a CT Scan if there is contrast dye used. I have had several scans myself and have never had even the slightest reaction, but other people have, and if it's bad enough the technicians could inject benedryl and even prednisone after the dye is used. In some cases, people who don't respond well to contrast dye are sent to the Nuclear Medicene Dept. instead, to have scans that are similar to the typical Ct Scans but don't require contrast with iodine. People who have allergies to certain foods such as shellfish are more likely than others to react to the material used in the CT scans.

Hi,

I have had ct scans with contrast that's caused reactions: itching, swelling, redness, irritability, and the feeling something was lodged in my throat. Now I have to take prednisone 13 hrs., 7 hrs., and 1 hour before the test. I also have to take benedryl 2 hours before. The last two ct scans were a snap after the meds.

Thanks for your info. I guess his reactions, although scary, are typcial. He was given Benydryl and the steroid pre-meds. I appreciate the advice.
K